Electric Cars Now!: August 2007

Friday, August 31, 2007

Labor Day Vacation

In celebration of Labor Day, there will be no new posts until Tuesday September 4th. On Tuesday I will post September 1st -4th Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!.

Have a great Labor Day, and sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 31st, 2007

Here is August 31st, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

When Traveling Eat Local Food

"When you are thousands of miles from home, do not search frantically in strange shops for the food you usually eat at home. Those tasteless apples that traveled halfway around the planet, producing pollution in the process, will never be as good as the local mangos. Try local specialties, fruits and vegetables, and discover new dishes in the process."

Daily Tips are from Philippe Bourseiller's 365 Ways To Save The Earth. To see the amazing pictures and the whole description, buy the book at your local bookseller. By using any tip provided by Electric Cars Now! via Philippe Bourseiller's 365 Ways To Save The Earth you agree to these terms and conditions.

Come Back Tomorrow For A New Tip!

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Third Truck Converted To EV At Community College

The smart students at Stanly Community College (Not sure where it is located) converted their third truck into an EV recently. The newly converted Dodge Ram 50 can go 90 m.p.h. and 70 miles per charge. Not only can it be plugged into a standard outlet, it also has solar power for backup. It also has a capacitor, which is like a battery, without the chemicals. The college has also converted a Ford Ranger and a Chevy S10.

Autobloggreen Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 30th, 2007

Here is August 30th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Computers: A New Environmental Problem

"Although computers use relatively little energy when they are in use, the combination of intensive manufacturing process and short lifespan put its lifetime environment-related energy impact about as equal to a refrigerator, which is near the top of the list of energy intensive home appliances. Use your computer for as long as possible, and when you finally get rid of it, donate of recycle it to keep it out of the waste stream."

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

New Nissan Electric Car To Be Unveiled

Autobloggreen reports that at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show Nissan will unveil a new prototype electric car. Mixim, its name, will have four-wheel drive, seat up to four people, and have lithium-ion batteries for an extended range (no range was given). Specs are limited, hopefully more will be made public at the motor show. Remember, this is a prototype and there is no guarantee it will ever be at your local Nissan dealer, but it's nice to hope.

Autobloggreen Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 29th, 2007

Here is August 29th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Say No Disposable Diapers

"Using washable diapers daily for your child not only benefits the environment-you may be able to save more than $3,000, depending on how you choose to diaper your baby."

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 28th, 2007

Here is August 28th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Invest In A Reusable Filter For Your Coffeemaker

"If you use disposable paper filters in your coffee machine, replace them with a reusable filter made of cloth of stainless steel. The washable, reusable option is also cheaper. Add the coffee grounds to your compost pile, instead of to the volume of waste."

Monday, August 27, 2007

Announcements From Zap!

Zap!, the electric car maker, recently made two announcements. Here they are:

A million dollar order has been placed by the Canadian company New Fuel Systems. The company plans to showcase the EV's at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Many different Zap! models were ordered.
netLoan will partner with Zap! to "provide ZAP customers with one-stop Internet financing for electric vehicle and electric car purchases". That should make owners happy!

Autobloggreen has the full story and the press release. The link is below.

Autobloggreen Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 27th, 2007

Here is August 27th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Buy Refillable Products

"Reducing packaging enables raw materials to be saved, pollution to be reduced, and needless transportation to be avoided. To cut the value of packaging that is thrown out after just one use choose refillable products-soap, liquid detergent containers, coffee cans, rechargeable batteries, pens, and so forth."

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 26th, 2007

Here is August 26th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Reduce Your Impact On Global Warming And You'll Be Saving Our Coral Reefs

"Next time you are on vacation on a tropical beach, look upon the wonders of the reef through different eyes. Connect the reefs to your everyday actions back at home, and decide to leave your car in the garage as often as possible."

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 25th, 2007

Here is August 25th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

When Traveling, Take Your Polluting Waste Home With You

"Take your most polluting waste, such as batteries and plastic bags, home in your luggage, so that they can be disposed of properly when you return. On the other hand, you may leave cans behind with a clear conscience: local people are often highly skilled in the art or reusing them."

Friday, August 24, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 24th, 2007

Here is August 24th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Cook With Gas Rather Than Electricity

"We should be equally aware of this when dealing with the little, day to day things in life. On average, a gas cooker uses half the energy of an electric cooker, as longs as the burners are regularly cleaned. A clogged burner can use up to 10% more energy than a clean one."

Thursday, August 23, 2007

60,000 Chevy Volt's In It's First Year?

An inside source from General Motors suggests that they hope to have 60,000 Chevy Volts out in it's first year of production. Could this really happen? Lets take a look....

The Toyota Prius only sold 30,000 units in it's first year. Although gas prices, are twice as high now...
A123 Systems, the supplier GM chose to make the batteries, has no experience in producing high volumes of batteries.
Many might spring for the car to avoid pain at the pump.
The under $30,000 price tag is inviting

So what do you think? Can the Chevy Volt make it into production? Can it sell 60,000 units in one year? You're the consumer. It's your call.

This post was make possible with the following links:

Autobloggreen Link
Jalopnik Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 23rd, 2007

Here is August 23rd, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Buy Fair-Trade Coffee

"More than 100 brands of fair-trade coffee are now available in over 35,000 markets worldwide. Make a commitment to only buy fair-trade coffee, or buy conventional coffee occasionally and gradually integrate fair-trade products in your coffee mug."

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 22nd, 2007

Here is August 22nd, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Choose Furniture Made Of SmartWood, Or FSC-Certified Wood

"Before buying any piece of furniture, ask where the materials come from, especially where exotic woods are concerned: mahogany, teak, ipe, and ebony are examples of popular exotic wood types. Choose sustainable products, like SmartWood-certified products, from environmentally responsible companies, where resources are used without plundering biodiversity or abusing local policy."

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 21th, 2007

Here is August 21th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Replace Paper Towels With A Sponge

"Use a sponge or a fabric towel in the kitchen rather than paper towels."

Monday, August 20, 2007

DOE Has A Virtual Children's Book About Electric Cars

The Department Of Energy (DOE) has a virtual children's book on it's website. "Daniel And His Electric Car" is about a boy named Daniel who goes car shopping with his father. And, you guessed it, they end up purchasing a "little, blue car" (that happens to be electric).

The odd part is that, unlike in real life, it is very difficult to find a car meeting the specifications listed in the book. Yes, anyone can find a little blue car, but an electric little blue car? A high speed little blue electric car? They make it sound so easy to get one.... The links are below.

Autobloggreen Link
Department Of Energy Book Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 20th, 2007

Here is August 20th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Avoid Noisy Motoring Activities

"Avoid noisy motorized activities (such as jet skis, 4 x 4 vehicles, trail bikes, and snowmobiles) that disturb plants and animals outside the areas set aside for them. Never drive an off-road vehicle on a beach, in a marsh, or anywhere near birds' nests."

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 19th, 2007

Here is August 19th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Choose The Most Energy-Efficient Appliances

"Check the energy rating label before you buy an electrical appliance. Refrigerators are of particular concern, since they are usually the biggest energy consumer in a house. Replace a refrigerator bought in 1990 with an Energy Star model and you will save enough energy to light the average household for almost five months."

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 18th, 2007

Here is August 18th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Avoid Black Flags When Traveling Europe

"The Black Flags are assigned by the Surf-rider Foundation in Europe to tell local authorities and travelers which coastal resorts are polluted. Avoid them."

Friday, August 17, 2007

Clintons To Drive Phoenix Motors SUV

President Bush Examining The Phoenix Motors SUT (Sport Utility Truck)

According to CNET via Autobloggreen, today the Clinton's (Former President Bill Clinton and Hilary Clinton) will drive the Phoenix Motor's all electric SUV. There is no guarantee, and there is no picture of President Clinton with the SUV (yet), when there is, Electric Cars Now! will bring it to you.

Currently President Clinton drives a special editions Presidential Mercury Mariner Hybrid, and Hilary drives an Escape Hybrid.

Autobloggreen Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 17th, 2007

Here is August 17th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Say "No" To Digital Displays

"If you are choosing between two different models of refrigerator, oven, or microwave, choose the one with a mechanical display rather than one with a digital display; the digital display is always on and wastes energy."

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 16th, 2007

Here is August 16th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Walk In The Forest With Your Children

"Take your children for a walk in the forest, and explain its ecological function and some actions they can take to safeguard he woods."

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Tesla Roadster Takes A Test Drive

The All Electric Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster could be the first all electric car on the road with lithium-ion batteries. Before it can do that, it's going to take a 200 mile test drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, with making only one stop to promote the car and to charge it. It is sponsored by Hyatt Hotels.

Autobloggreen Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 15th, 2007

Here is August 15th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Help To Clean Up A River

"Local nature conservation organizations regularly organize river cleanup operations. These operations always need volunteers. Do not be afraid to join one: it is an opportunity to lean more about the stream, its banks, and the fauna and flora that live there. "

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 14th, 2007

Here is August 14th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

When Traveling Abroad, Take A Vacation With An Ecological Label

"Take a vacation where the attention is paid to the environment on a daily basis-take an eco-holiday."

Monday, August 13, 2007

Toyota Vice President Makes A Bet

Next Generation Prius?

Someone is feeling confident... Today the Toyota Senior Vice President Of U.S. automotive operations said:

From Autobloggreen: "I've got $100 in my pocket that says we'll be the first automaker to put a lithium-ion vehicle out there."

Lithium-Ion batteries means longer all electric range in todays electric and hybrid cars.

Autobloggreen Link

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 13th, 2007

Here is August 13th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Find Or Offer A Ride

"For more environmentally friendly journeys between cities, research organizations that can put drivers and passengers in touch with each other to share journeys. If you don't need to find a ride yourself, perhaps you have room to offer someone else. Local universities and colleges often post ride boards on their campuses. "

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 12th, 2007

Here is August 12th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Mow The Lawn At Reasonable Times

"We all contribute to the audible environment. Be aware of the time of day that your run a lawn mower, or revert to using a manual mower. Rake leaves instead of investing in a leaf blower. Enjoy the time in your yard with the sounds of birds and the wind in the leaves, not your machinery."

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 11th, 2007

Here is August 11th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Buy In Bulk When Possible

"Limiting the amount of waste for disposal inevitably involves reducing the volume of packaging. For cheeses, sliced meats, and grains, buy food in bulk, by weight, or cut to your needs, rather than in prepackaged sizes. This also benefits your pantry, since you will be able to find ingredients for your next meal instead of heading for the store every time your prepare a meal."

Friday, August 10, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 10th, 2007

Here is August 10th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Say "No" To Individually Packaged Portions

"The fashion for pre-packaged mini-portions is no more than a marketing strategy. Take the time to create your own portions. Stop buying individual portions, cans, and other superfluous packaging for children's meals, or mid-morning snacks. Invest instead in reusable plastic containers and drinking bottles. When you explain your choice to your children, you can also make them aware of the threat to the planet that prompted your choice."

New Award!

Paradise Planet, former Starry Planet (Click here for more info on the new Paradise Planet) has given Electric Cars Now! a new award! The Best Environmental Promotion Website! Thank You Paradise Planet! To see all the awards Electric Cars Now! has received, go the Affiliates and Thank You's page. Thank You!

Click Below To Go To:

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 9th, 2007

Here is August 9th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Recycle Your Old Refrigerator

"More the 8 million refrigerators are disposed of every year in the United States. Take your old refrigerator to a facility where it will be dealt with properly, or ask your public works department how to dispose of it correctly."

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Save The Earth Tip Of The Day! - August 8th, 2007

Here is August 8th, 2007 Save The Earth Tip Of The Day!:

Oil Tankers Are Not The Biggest Cause Of Oil Pollution In Our Oceans

"More than 50% of the oil in the Earth's oceans results from residential and indutrial discharges. Fix a leaky car right awayt, and never dump your used oil into a storm drain."